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Delaware · checked against the real .gov pages Last verified 2026-06-20

Name change after marriage in Delaware

To change your name after marriage in Delaware, update Social Security first, then your Delaware driver's license / REAL ID, then your passport. Do it in that order and you won't get turned away at the counter on a name mismatch. Below are Delaware's exact DMV steps and fees, each linked to the real .gov page it came from, then the federal steps that apply in every state.

In Delaware, the name change runs through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): the Delaware driver's-license update is listed at Varies — see source. The Delaware DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure; we link the official source rather than assert a number., it must be done in person, not online, there's a deadline to update after your name change, and you'll bring 2 documents (full list below). Every step below is linked to the official Delaware page it came from (last checked 2026-06-20).

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

What's specific to Delaware

Agency
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Name change / duplicate Delaware driver license
Varies — see source. The Delaware DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure; we link the official source rather than assert a number. Delaware DMV
In person or by mail
IN PERSON REQUIRED: The name change must be done in person at a Delaware DMV office; no online or mail option is stated.
Deadline
30-DAY DEADLINE: Within 30 days after legally changing your name, you must personally go to a Delaware DMV office to change the name on your driver license.

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Delaware DMV name-change steps

  1. Change your name with the Social Security Administration first, 48-72 hours before the DMV visit.

    Delaware DMV states you must change your name with the Social Security Administration 48 to 72 hours before coming to the DMV, so the SSA databases sync before your DMV transaction.

    Source

  2. Go in person to a Delaware DMV office to change the name on your license.

    Delaware DMV states: "Within 30 days after legally changing your name, you must personally go to an office of the Division of Motor Vehicles to change the name on your driver license."

    Source

  3. Bring your old license and your name-change documents.

    Bring your old driver license and all name-change documents (for a marriage, a certified marriage certificate is the official name-change document).

    Source

What you need to bring

  • Your old Delaware driver license
  • All name-change documents (e.g., a certified marriage certificate as the official name-change document)

Delaware fees

ItemCostSource
Name change / duplicate Delaware driver licenseVaries — see source. The Delaware DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure; we link the official source rather than assert a number.Delaware DMV

Watch out for these in Delaware

30-DAY DEADLINE: Within 30 days after legally changing your name, you must personally go to a Delaware DMV office to change the name on your driver license.

SSA FIRST (48-72 HOURS): You must change your name with the Social Security Administration 48 to 72 hours before coming to the DMV so the records sync.

IN PERSON REQUIRED: The name change must be done in person at a Delaware DMV office; no online or mail option is stated.

The federal steps (every state)

Your Delaware DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.

1. Social Security (free)Do this first.2. REAL ID rulesName traceability + travel.3. PassportDS-5504 within 1 year.

Official Delaware & federal sources

Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a deadline to update my license name after marriage in Delaware?
30-DAY DEADLINE: Within 30 days after legally changing your name, you must personally go to a Delaware DMV office to change the name on your driver license.
Do I change my name at the Delaware DMV or Social Security first?
Social Security first. Delaware's DMV verifies your name and SSN against SSA's records, so updating SSA before the DMV prevents your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.
What documents does Delaware need to change my license name after marriage?
Your old Delaware driver license See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Delaware page.
How much does a Delaware name change cost?
Name change / duplicate Delaware driver license: Varies — see source. The Delaware DMV name-change page does not publish a single flat dollar figure; we link the official source rather than assert a number.. The federal Social Security update is always free.
When was this Delaware guidance last checked?
2026-06-20. We checked every step against Delaware's official pages and show you the date so you know it's current — and we link every step to the real .gov page it came from.

Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.